The Senate Committee on Overseas Pakistanis confirmed no restrictions on UAE work visas for Pakistanis, despite a reported 50% decrease in travel due to concerns about begging. Increased scrutiny has led to police verification for work visas, with officials suggesting the need for better credential checks to maintain labor standards. The committee recommended further investigation by the Foreign Ministry.
The Senate Standing Committee on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development recently conducted a meeting regarding work visa regulations for Pakistani citizens intending to travel to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). During this session, Committee Chairman Senator Zeeshan Khanzada affirmed that there are no restrictions on work visas for Pakistanis, and any issues arising from visa applications would be addressed with the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis. The meeting followed concerns over an increase in begging among Pakistani nationals in the UAE, prompting stringent screening measures by authorities.
Senior officials from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) reported that a number of passengers had been offloaded from flights to the UAE as part of increased oversight. Senator Khanzada’s statements were contrasted by Overseas Employment Promoter Aisam Baig, who noted a significant decline in Pakistani workers travelling to the UAE, claiming that visas had been “unofficially closed” with a 50 percent reduction in travel. Baig clarified that while the UAE government is concerned about begging, these incidents were primarily associated with visitors on travel visas rather than work visas.
The discussion highlighted that 90 percent of the immigration landscape consists of private overseas employment promoters. Bureau of Immigration Director General Muhammad Tayyab indicated that the trend of skilled Pakistani workers traveling to the UAE is actually increasing, with labor distribution leaning heavily towards the construction and service sectors. Additionally, he emphasized that the UAE is limiting its workforce intake from various nationalities, not solely Pakistan.
Senator Shahadat Awan raised queries about the implementation of police verification for visas, to which Secretary Arshad Mahmood responded that every country mandates credential checks for work visas. He pointed out that sending qualified individuals is crucial for maintaining Pakistan’s international labor reputation. Baig elaborated on the requisite police verification process, commending it as a positive step towards ensuring a credible labor export system. Overall, the committee concluded by suggesting that the Foreign Ministry investigate potential visa restrictions further.
The topic of work visas for Pakistanis in the UAE has recently attracted attention due to rising concerns over the behavior of some Pakistani nationals during their stay in the Middle East. Reports of increased begging by Pakistani visitors have led to heightened scrutiny from authorities in those regions. This situation has necessitated discussions on immigration regulations and the process of verifying credentials for individuals seeking employment abroad. The interactions between Pakistani officials and various stakeholders within the overseas employment sector are critical to fostering better labor opportunities for citizens while addressing the negative implications seen abroad.
In conclusion, while the Senate Standing Committee confirmed the absence of restrictions on UAE work visas for Pakistanis, growing concerns about immigrants’ behavior prompted enhanced screening measures. There is a noticeable decrease in the number of traveling workers, contrasting with rising demand for skilled labor. Furthermore, the implementation of police verification for work visas suggests a commitment to upholding the integrity of Pakistani nationals abroad. The Foreign Ministry has been urged to explore and rectify issues related to visa processing to ensure smooth travel for workers.
Original Source: www.dawn.com
